Dear Nikol,
I worry I masturbate too much. I do it every day, sometimes twice. Is this too much? Are there any long-term side-effects? I know hairy palms is a myth, but what about stuff like reduced sexual stamina, reduced energy over the course of the day, damage to the penis?
– Too Much Of A Good Thing?
Dear Too Much,
Yes. Twice a day is way too much. Twice a year is the only acceptable amount of masturbation. You’re pretty much going to die. (eventually, I mean, because we’re all going to die eventually.)
Seriously, twice a day is okay. Some people do it even more than that and they’re okay as well. Unless you’re masturbating with crazy chemicals or sandpaper, you’re not going to physically damage yourself. (Also, make sure not to use citrus fruits or shampoos. Basically, don’t masturbate with things that will burn if they get into your peehole.)
A good way to make sure you aren’t masturbating too much is to consider this: Is masturbation getting in your way of doing other things? Do you stay home and masturbate instead of hanging out with family and friends? If you do, lay off a little. Maybe take a masturbreaktion.
The only physical issue that can occur if you bate too much is that you might have a harder time reaching orgasm when you are having the sex. This isn’t always the case, but consider that you’re building up stamina and also that if you are gripping tightly you may be training your penis to enjoy a certain degree of stimulation.
If you’re actually getting laid and either of those things is a problem for you, do yourself a favor and hold off. Retrain your penis to enjoy softer touch, which may mean not bringing yourself to orgasm for a few weeks. However, if you have no problem just pulling out and finishing yourself off, you don’t need to adjust. It’s all a matter of your taste and your partner’s level of acceptance.
Remember, masturbation is healthy, no matter what some crazy politicians may be telling us. Science has been on our side for a long time with this one.
– Nikol
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Questions? If you have a question for Nikol, you can reach her confidentially at lovesexetc@milwaukeemagazine.com. Your anonymity will be protected.
